What has happened in 2016?

Once again thanks to the good company and enthusiasm of all our guests, we have had another very enjoyable season. Apart from the unusually strong winds in the early part of the year and the occasional day, or two, of overcast weather, the Caledonian Canal and the Great Glen displayed its natural beauty, which amazes us every year.

“What has 2017 in store for Caledonian discovery?

We have adapted one of our established cruises “Trails and Glens biking” into what is a new idea for Scotland but well established in Europe, our “Bike and Barge” week. You travel through the Great Glen with a combination of the best of intermediate cycling with barge cruising. Carefully chosen routes will cover a variety of terrains from smooth cycle tracks and forest trails to quiet back roads – perfect conditions for our high quality hybrid bikes.

Each day’s ride will be led by our experienced guide, providing stories and information along the way and offering places to visit to suit the interests and requirements of our guests. Daily distances vary from 7-18 miles (11-29 km), allowing plenty of time to explore and relax. At any point of the journey, guests are very welcome to stay on board and enjoy cruising on the barge.

2017 also marks the 195th year of the Caledonian Canal. The canal was conceived as a way of providing much-needed employment to the Highland region and to provide a safer passage from the north east of Scotland to the south west. First surveyed in 1773 by James Watt, the idea only came to life when an Act of Parliament, in 1803, was awarded and the digging started. Finally opening in 1822, 12 years later than anticipated, it cost £910,000, and employed over 3,000 local people in its construction.

As important 2017 also marks the 55th year of the building of Ros Crana in Tielrode, Belgium.(1962)



Since her introduction to the fleet she has provided a wonderful, stable platform to provide all that Caledonian Discovery has to offer. We have found some people prefer Ros Crana over Fingal and vice versa. They each have a unique character, but which ever barge people declare their loyalty to, it is resolute!

WELCOME TO THE “CALEDONIAN”
The newsletter for Caledonian Discovery.

Our 2018 schedule

We are pleased to announce our 2018 cruise schedule is now available for your perusal. We have retained our prices to what we believe is wonderful value for money. Four or seven days cruising in the Highlands of Scotland with access to activities, scenery, fun and adventures, with delicious food and the company of like-minded souls, it is a great way to relax.

If you are planning a family holiday please remember the barge is an ideal way to celebrate a family holiday or a group reunion. It is always available, dates permitting, for charter. Imagine, visiting this beautiful part of the Highlands, unpacking only once, all meals provided and the only stressful decision is deciding whether to go walking cycling, canoeing or heaven forbid relaxing. All the time surrounded and supported by your friends and family. As described by one of our guests “The Great Glen, a place for peace and adventure.” Please remember, if you book before the 31st of January we are offering an attractive discount for our 2017 and 2018 cruises. Please check our availability page.

New logo.

We hope you like our new Logo. Our previous logo was developed in 2005 and with the arrival of our new barge Ros Crana in 2013 we decided it was time for a new logo. We have slowly introduced our new design this year and hope you approve.